Just as a follow up to last winters post The World is my Aerolab, I thought I would link to a little video that sums it up nicely. Much more digestible than reading Robert Chung’s full paper (although I encourage that). (edited to add: the part about VE starts at about the 28 minute mark.)

I have spent a fair amount of time helping others get started in doing this. It’s a pay-it-forward type of thing for me.

You do need a power meter to do true-blue Virtual Elevation type testing. And that’s a very versatile and precise method. But, there are coastdown methods you can do to determine CdA and Crr for those who don’t have a power meter, but have some sort of recording type bike computer, such as a Garmin 500. You do need an auxiliary speed sensor, though. Not a big deal.

Stuff Even More Awesomer Than This

Battle Mountain WHPSC
Cyclists from around the world will gather on SR305 outside of Battle Mountain, Nevada for the 13th consecutive year of racing on what is arguably the straightest, flattest, and smoothest road surface in the world.